Friend of Lifehacker Merlin Mann has a nice writeup of tips for getting the best shave possible. On the finer points of water, Merlin explains:

Water is good. AKA "The wetter the better." Keeping your beard moist before and during the shave is job one. Shower first, and go nuts with a moisturizing soap. Not allowing time for your whiskers to fully saturate will make for a painful and joyless shave.

As a man who gets a low-grade beard after a few days without shaving (let alone after a couple of weeks, which is where I am now), I've had my fair share of relationship problems with the razor and the rest of its friends. I can attest to several of Merlin's tips, though, as I've had very good experiences with a shaving brush and Gillette's trusty Mach 3 (which he refers to as Gillette's "Abbey Road").

I'd love to hear what tips and tricks our readers have for getting baby smooth. Let's hear 'em in the comments or at tips at lifehacker.com. — Adam Pash